I made a point of covering the Obermeyer fashion show, held on the Snowstage at the base of Aspen Mountain for Aspen Fashion Week Sunday afternoon, because it’s my ski wear of choice. Founded by Klaus Obermeyer more than 60 years ago, the company is based in Aspen, about 30 minutes from where I live. Klaus is credited with creating the world’s first down jacket — out of a goose down comforter — and the 90-year-old innovator remainds active in the community, the company and on the local ski slopes.
I like Obermeyer winter gear — especially basic pieces like solid-color jackets and black ski pants — because they are fashionable, yet sporty and simply designed. I’ve seen some fur-accented, blinged-out coats on the slopes that are just overdone, and I think, unnecessary, since I’m all about basic, straightforward looks: solid-colored, quality base layers, comfy fleece, water-resistant and warm exterior layers.
One big reason why Obermeyer is my family’s choice of ski wear is its annual warehouse sale held at the Aspen Business Center (across from the Pitkin County Airport) every mid-July. If you happen to be vacationing in Aspen — or even further afield in Glenwood Springs — you do not want to miss this sale. We’re talking about items that are marked down at least 60 percent — often much more. Where else can you buy brand-new quality kids’ ski pants for $25?
The sale dates are never published in the local paper; sometimes I get an email from Obermeyer announcing the dates (though I think I heard about it from my sister-in-law last year). If you’re in the area around July 15 or so, just ask any local if the event is coming up.
Of course, you never know what the inventory will be at the warehouse sale from year to year, or even from day to day for the duration of the sale. So, you can’t count on purchasing your kids’ seasonal outerwear there. But lately we’ve gotten lucky; both my children (and all of their local cousins) have sported Obermeyer ski coats throughout this winter season, for skiing, sledding, skating and other winter fun. At right is my daughter in both Obermeyer coat and pants while ice climbing this weekend.
The “I Grow” Extended Wear Systems in kids’ clothing is a godsend for parents: typically you can get two seasons’ worth of wear out of Obermeyer kids’ coats and pants because you can “let out” a hidden seam in the sleeves and the pants as your children grow — 1.5 inches in the sleeves and 2 inches in pant cuffs. Brilliant!
If you want to be at the forefront of the current season’s looks, visit the Obermeyer “concept shop” at Aspen Sports in downtown Aspen; also check out the “store locator” and “online partners” on the Obermeyer.com website.
Here’s a short sneak peek of the Obermeyer Fall 2010/11 men’s, women’s and kids’ collections, from Aspen Fashion Week:
